I don't do it as a matter of course, but things sometimes work out that way. I enjoy the change of pace and wouldn't mind doing it more often.

I had to do it a few months ago for logistical reasons (second of three bands on a stage where the headliner had quite a bit of equipment and they wanted me set up beforehand to minimize the changeover). The bass player wound up being on the other side of the stage. We had great monitors so it wasn't a problem, although we both missed the interaction.

[Added a photo] I'm behind the guitarist, extreme stage right. Bassist's right hand is barely visible to the right of the headliner's drums. Band 1 put their drums about where the bassist is standing. Not ideal, but our choice was to set up early and get a soundcheck or do a rushed setup after the first band and potentially cut into our playing time.

I often set up off-center at a blues jam because of an unusual stage. It leaves more room for others.

For what it's worth, Ian Paice was set up stage right when I saw Deep Purple recently, although he was still in the rear along with the keyboards.

Al

After over 40 years of performing live with bands, that's drumming, out front lead singer, or percussionist,etc. The one thing that annoys me most is someone standing right in front of the drummer. I understand space limitation sometimes but I refuse to perform to someone's ass all night long. Not being able to see the audience and vice versa. If there is not a suitable drum riser I may set up a little off center. I was in one band, and no matter where I set up my drums, the lead instrument, or singer would always stand right in front of me. Sometimes I wonder if I throw to big a shadow on there limelight if there not in front of me. Last Sat. Night in this band I was playing with, the same thing. Female singer right in front of me when there was room to stand to the side a little. Then when I sang she moved but her music stand blocked my face and me from the audience. I think it is mostly stupidity and unprofessionalism, they just don't know any better. Did you ever see Ringo or Dave Clark obstructed by another band member ? It's just unprofessional to do that. Which brings me to this. I am starting a new group where I am going to be the drummer and main singer. Since a lot of these places we will perform do not have a drum riser I am thinking of doing something different. I don't know where it is written that the drummer must always be in back of everyone else. I am going to use a small kit. 18" or 20" bass drum, one Tom, one floor tom, hi hat, ride, and crash. I am thinking of being in the middle front line or off center with the person next to me off center. In the last 3 piece group I was in, I was always in the middle only three or four feet in back of the bass and guitar player and it worked well and we got many compliments on our set up. I may try this again, although a 4 piece group. Since the keys player doesn't sing we can put him on the end just slightly back and facing stage left. Drummers seem to get the crap place on stage most of the time but if your a main singer it is ridiculous for you to be in back behind people regardless of what instrument you play.

Interesting question. Where I set up at gigs has always been dictated by the stage, size mostly. For some reason, the bands I've played in keep the drums center stage. I never really thought about it. It's always just been 'where the drums go.' I like the Helm idea of letting the audience see you playing from the side. It's a much better view of what the drummer is doing.

John

I like the "Stereo Effect" of having (at least) Bass to one side & Keys or Guitar on the other.. Smack bang in the middle works best for me.. Can be a bit isolated from key players when set up at one end..

Cheers

John

There is one small club I play in where I play rotated 180 degrees and facing the band, set up between two of the front tables facing the band. I can see all the cues, the PA acts a monitor and every time I play there folks come up and tell me how much fun it is to finally see what a drummer really does in action.

I just love this picture...

I sit far left or far right in one band, SQÜRL, ideally at a 45 degree angle to the stage edge. It's great for a trio.

[IMG]http://www.moviescopemag.com/wp-content/themes/blognews/timthumb.php?src=http://www.moviescopemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/SQURL.jpg&q=90&w=629&zc=1[/IMG]

I recently played a gig front and center with a snare and bass drum...although my bass drum was kind of off at a 45 degree angle. This was mainly because I broke two toes on my right foot and had to play the bass drum with my left foot. I was also switching off between my stripped down drum kit and acoustic guitar...and I sing a lot of lead vocals. It's normally back and center for me...but we're only a trio (guitar, upright bass, drums), so it works out best that way.